ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
RTI is fully functional in Jammu and Kashmir: Dr.Jitendra Singh
RTI disposal rate had remained unaffected by the pandemic and was even higher in some months: Dr.Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the RTI disposal rate had remained unaffected by the pandemic and during certain given intervals of time, the disposal rate was even higher than the usual. Addressing a meeting of the CIC and State Information Commissioners, Dr.Jitendra Singh said that ever since Modi Government came into power in 2014, Transparency and Citizen-Centricity became the hallmark of the Governance Model. He said that in the last six years, every conscious decision was taken to strengthen the Independence and Resources of the Information Commissions and all vacancies were filled as fast as possible.
Referring to statistical figures, Dr.Jitendra Singh said that rate of RTI disposal remained unaffected by the pandemic and from March to July 2020, disposal of cases by Central Information Commission was almost equal to the preceding year.
He added that in June,2020, RTI disposal rate was higher than June 2019 and everyone took note of that. This reinforced vigour proved to society and the nationthat nothing can deter the working of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government, he added.
Dr.Jitendra Singh also suggested that the Information Authorities should ponder to avoid the avoidable RTIs and underlined that almost all information today is in public domain. He also added that avoidance of duplication and misguided RTIs will lead to reduction in pendency and workload and will enhance efficiency.
Dr Jitendra Singh that it goes to the credit of the Commission and its functionaries that inthe midst of the pandemic on 15th May this year, the Central Information Commission started entertaining, hearing and disposing of RTIs from the newly created Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, through virtual means.
The Minister also informed that any citizen of India can now file RTI pertaining to matters related to J&K and Ladakh, which was reserved to only Citizens of erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, before the Reorganisation Act of 2019.It is pertinent to mention here that consequent to the passing of J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, the J&K Right to Information Act 2009 and the Rules there under were repealed and Right to Information Act 2005 and the Rules there under were enforced from 31.10.2019. This measure was widely hailed by people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Administration of the UT.
Chief Information Commissioner Shri BimalJulka said that the Commission had effectively continued its interactive and outreach activities during the lockdown period and afterwards. These, he said, included video conference with civil society representatives and video conferencing with members of National Federation of Information Commissions in India .
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Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Setting up of Skill Development Centres
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship promotes establishment of model and aspirational skill centres known as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra  in every district for imparting skill training throughout the country in PPP mode. The Ministry through NSDC provides capital expenditure upto 75% of the project investment as well as operational support to each PMKK. PMKK centres are provided loan from NSDC upto 70 lakh to the PPP partner. As such no State/District wise funds are earmarked. As on 17.01.2020, 812 PMKKs have been allocated in 707 districts across the country; out of allocated PMKKs, 723 PMKKs have been established. Funds amounting to Rs. 228.6 Cr. have been disbursed towards the establishment of PMKKs. As on 17.01.2020, 11.13 lakh candidates have been trained under these PMKKs across the country.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri R.K. Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM Condoles death of Shri Manoj Das
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Shri Manoj Das, a noted educationist, popular columnist and prolific writer.
Shri Modi said in a tweet:
“Shri Manoj Das distinguished himself as a noted educationist, popular columnist and prolific writer. He made rich contributions to English and Odia literature. He was a leading exponent of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
DS
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Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh AVSM, NM took over as Chief of Personnel, IHQ MoD 
Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh, AVSM, NM, took over as Chief of Personnel from Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar AVSM, VSM on 02 Dec 19.
Commissioned on 01 Jul 1983, Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh is a qualified flying instructor with Master Green Instrument Rating. As a Flag Officer he has held appointments as Assistant Controller Carrier Project and Assistant Controller Warship Production and Acquisition at IHQ MoD, Flag Officer Goa Area/ Flag Officer Naval Aviation at Goa, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet at Mumbai, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Western Naval Command at Mumbai and Director General Project Seabird at IHQ MoD.
As Chief of Personnel he heads the Personnel Branch of the Indian Navy and is responsible for all personal issues of Service and Civilian manpower of the Navy including Induction, Training, Career Management, Discipline, Pay & Allowances.
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar has been appointed as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee at HQIDS.
Special Service and Features
India is marching towards leading the world: Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan
Union Minister of State for Information Broadcasting, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Dr. L. Murugan has stated that India is emerging as a developed nation as well as a guiding force to the entire world. As part of the Rozgar Mela, the Minister gave away appointment letters to over 250 recruits at a programme held at CRPF Recruit Training Centre in Avadi, near Chennai. Appointment letters were given candidated in 14 departments including CRPF, CISF, SBI, ESIC, India Post, Railway, Income Tax and Information Broadcasting.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Dr. L. Murugan said today’s Mela is a historically important event. The Central Government is implementing this scheme by following the mantra of ‘We say what we do and we do what we say’, he added.
The Minister urged the youth who have received the appointment letters to work with simplicity, sense of responsibility, duty and long term planning with focus on skill development. He mentioned that in BJP ruled states where there is a double- engine government, recruitment melas are being conducted on a larger scale to provide jobs to youngsters.
Dr. L. Murugan stated that as the country marches towards its centenary year of celebration independence, the journey of making India a leading country and developed mantra in mind, has begun and with this notion the youth should come forward to strengthen nation building. The Central Government is striving hard to achieve this visionary goal, he added. The Minister also extended his wishes and interacted with the youngsters who received the appointment letters.
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Ministry of Defence
INDIAN ARMY SPONSORS HIGHER EDUCATION IN ARMY-RUN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS TO YOUTH FROM JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH
The Indian Army will be sponsoring undergraduate courses and school education to selected children and youth from the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in residential schools and colleges functioning under the Army Welfare Education Society  across the country, as part of Operation Sadbhavana. The initiative is aimed at providing quality education to deserving candidates from the Union Territories and offer them opportunities and exposure to acquire requisite competence and capability for a secure future.
A total of 100 seats  have been earmarked for boys and girls of classes VIII and IX in two Army Public Schools  at Beas  and Pithoragarh  for the academic year 2021-22. From 2022-23 onwards, these 100 seats will include seats in Army Public Schools in Dhaula Kuan , Noida  and Dagshai .
Six vacancies  in professional colleges at Bengaluru  and Guwahati / Jalandhar  respectively will be made available in academic year 2021-22. The colleges will offer Bachelors’ Degrees in Hospitality, Fashion Design  and Nursing . From 2022-23 onwards, two additional seats each will be provided in Army’s Management institution at Kolkata / Greater Noida  and Army Institute of Education  at Greater Noida . The students will be offered MBA and B Ed / B Ed Special Education  courses in these colleges.
Domiciled residents of J&K and Ladakh, sponsored by HQ Northern Command will be eligible for admissions during academic year 2021-22. However, every candidate should have passed the qualifying exam relevant to specific field of education. In addition, all aspirants will have to appear in an admission test from next year onwards.
The scheme offers a novel opportunity to deserving children and youth from Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh to shape their future into dream career by studying in country’s best schools and colleges with stellar faculty, innovative pedagogy, immersive experience and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Ministry of Defence
Special Train moves Army Personnel to front
A special train with approximately 950 army personnel who have completed professional courses at Army training establishments at Bangalore, Belgaum & Secundrabad and due to rejoin units deployed in operational areas in North India has started from Bangalore today . All personnel have undergone mandatory quarantine period and are medically fit. The train is scheduled to reach destination on 20 April 2020.
All possible precautions as part of COVID-19 management including disinfection of the platform, bogies and baggage was carried out in addition to establishment of a Sanitisation tunnel. Social distance was ensured while entraining and screening.
The second train to cater for transportation of army personnel to units deployed in the Northeastern part of the country is scheduled later.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
86.01 Cr. vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.89%
India's Active caseload stands at 2,99,620; lowest in 191 days
26,041 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 97.78%
29,621 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,29,31,972
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 94 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 3% for last 28 days
56.44 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Defence
Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol 
The 30th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol  between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted from 18 – 20 November 2020. Indian Naval Ship  Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship  Kraburi, a Chao Phraya Class Frigate along with Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both the navies are participating in the CORPAT.
As part of Government of India’s vision of SAGAR , the Indian Navy has been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ Surveillance, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief , and other capacity building and capability-enhancement activities, on their request. India and Thailand have especially enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years.
To reinforce maritime links, the two navies have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade. CORPAT builds up the understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated  fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy. It further enhances the operational synergy by exchange of information for prevention of smuggling, illegal immigration and for conduct of SAR operations at sea.
The 30th Indo-Thai CORPAT will contribute towards Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship with Royal Thai Navy.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Employment Exchange Portal for Senior Citizens
The number of senior citizens in the country increased over the years. The population of the senior citizens during the last three census is given below:

|
|
Year
|
|
1991
|
|
2001
|
|
2011
|
|
Population of Senior Citizen
|
|
57
|
|
77
|
|
103
The State/UT wise details of the population of senior citizens, as per Census 2011 is at Annexure.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a portal named 'Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity ' on 1st October, 2021, which provides an IT platform to bring the Senior Citizen employment seekers and the employment providers together. An individual senior citizen will get oneself registered on the portal with his relevant education, experience, skills and the areas of interest. Any job provider can also register on the portal. The interested and eligible senior citizens can apply for the job as per the matching criteria of his/her eligibility on the portal https://sacred.dosje.gov.in/
Annexure
State-wise Aged population  as per Census 2011
|
|
S.No.
|
|
STATE/UT
|
|
Total Population 
|
||
||
|
Persons
|
|
1
|
|
2
|
|
3
|
|
1.
|
|
ANDHRA PRADESH
|
|
8278241
|
|
2.
|
|
A & N ISLANDS
|
|
25424
|
|
3.
|
|
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
|
|
63639
|
|
4.
|
|
ASSAM
|
|
2078544
|
|
5.
|
|
BIHAR
|
|
7707145
|
|
6.
|
|
CHANDIGARH
|
|
67078
|
|
7.
|
|
CHHATTISGARH
|
|
2003909
|
|
8.
|
|
D & N HAVELI
|
|
13892
|
|
9.
|
|
DAMAN & DIU
|
|
11361
|
|
10.
|
|
NCT OF DELHI
|
|
1147445
|
|
11.
|
|
GOA
|
|
163495
|
|
12.
|
|
GUJARAT
|
|
4786559
|
|
13.
|
|
HARYANA
|
|
2193755
|
|
14.
|
|
HIMAHAL PRADESH
|
|
703009
|
|
15.
|
|
JAMMU & KASHMIR
|
|
922656
|
|
16.
|
|
JHARKHAND
|
|
2356678
|
|
17.
|
|
KARNATAKA
|
|
5791032
|
|
18.
|
|
KERALA
|
|
4193393
|
|
19.
|
|
LAKSHADWEEP
|
|
5270
|
|
20.
|
|
MADHYA PRADESH
|
|
5713316
|
|
21.
|
|
MAHARASHTRA
|
|
11106935
|
|
22.
|
|
MANIPUR
|
|
187694
|
|
23.
|
|
MEGHALAYA
|
|
138902
|
|
24.
|
|
MIZORAM
|
|
68628
|
|
25.
|
|
NAGALAND
|
|
102726
|
|
26.
|
|
ODISHA
|
|
3984448
|
|
27.
|
|
PUDUCHERRY
|
|
120436
|
|
28.
|
|
PUNJAB
|
|
2865817
|
|
29.
|
|
RAJASTHAN
|
|
5112138
|
|
30.
|
|
SIKKIM
|
|
40752
|
|
31.
|
|
TAMIL NADU
|
|
7509758
|
|
32.
|
|
TRIPURA
|
|
289544
|
|
33.
|
|
UTTAR PRADESH
|
|
15439904
|
|
34.
|
|
UTTARAKHAND
|
|
900809
|
|
35.
|
|
WEST BENGAL
|
|
7742382
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
103836714
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with scientists involved with Mission Shakti, via video-conference
Shortly after his address to the nation today, Prime Minister spoke to scientists involved with the successful conduct of Mission Shakti, via video conference.
The successful conduct of Mission Shakti today, has made India the fourth nation in the world, with the capability to successfully target satellites through an Anti-Satellite Missile.
Congratulating them on their success, the Prime Minister said that the entire nation is proud of our scientists for achieving well, what they had set out to accomplish.
He said that in line with the "Make in India" initiative, the scientists have given a message to the world that we are less than no one.
The Prime Minister said that India follows the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the world is one family. He however, also emphasized, that the forces which work for peace and goodwill, must remain ever-powerful, for the achievement of peace.
The Prime Minister asserted that for global peace and regional peace, India should be capable and strong. He said that the scientists have contributed to this effort with dedication. He also conveyed the greetings of the entire Union Cabinet to the scientists.
The scientists thanked the PM for giving them this opportunity to prove their skills.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Sitaram Yechury’s son Ashish
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragic and untimely demise of Shri Sitaram Yechury’s son Ashish.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji and his family on the tragic and untimely demise of his son, Ashish. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Defence
Republic Day Parade to feature 321 School Children and 80 Folk Artists in Cultural Programme
School children from four Delhi schools and Folk artists from East Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata will take part in the cultural programme during the Republic Day Parade to be held at Rajpath on January 26, 2021. Ministry of Defence and Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi have selected 401 students and artists - 271 girls and 131 boys – from DTEA Senior Secondary Schools, Delhi; Mount Abu Public School, Rohini, Delhi; Vidya Bharti School, Rohini, Delhi; Government Girls Senior Secondary School, B-2, Yamuna Vihar, Delhi and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata.
AATMA Nirbhar Bharat: Vision for a Self Reliant India is the theme of Mount Abu Public School, Delhi and Vidya Bharti School, Delhi in which 38 boys and 54 girls will participate.
102 students of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Delhi will present a programme on the theme “ Hum Fit toh India Fit” inspired by the Fit India Movement launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on National Sports Day on 29th August 2019.
127 children from DTEA Senior Secondary Schools, Delhi will show case folk dances of Tamil Nadu in their traditional attires.
80 folk artists of Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata will present the folk dance Bajasal from Kalahandi, Odisha.
During a press preview held on 13 January 2021, the young participants expressed their happiness to be part of Republic Day Parade. They said, they were overwhelmed with a sense of pride as they have got a chance to showcase their talent before important dignitaries on Rajpath.
The number of participating children and folk artists have been cut down to 400 this year, compared to more than 600 last year, in view of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Prime Minister's Office
All-Party meeting on India’s G20 Presidency
G20 Presidency belongs to the entire nation!
G20 Presidency presents an opportunity to showcase India to the world
There is global curiosity and attraction towards India
G20 Presidency brings great opportunities for tourism and the local economy
An All Party meeting was held on 5th December to discuss aspects relating to India’s G20 Presidency. The meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, witnessed active participation from political leaders across the length and breadth of India.
Prime Minister stated that India’s G20 Presidency belongs to the entire nation, and is a unique opportunity to showcase India’s strengths to the entire world. Prime Minister also pointed that there is global curiosity and attraction towards India today, which further increases the potential of India’s G20 Presidency.
Prime Minister emphasized the importance of teamwork, and sought the cooperation of all leaders in the organization of various G20 events. He pointed out that the G20 Presidency would help showcase parts of India beyond the conventional big metros, thus bringing out the uniqueness of each part of our nation.
Highlighting the large number of visitors who would be coming to India during India’s G20 Presidency, Prime Minister took note of the potential for promoting tourism and boosting the local economies of the venues where G20 meetings would be organized.
Before the Prime Minister spoke, various political leaders shared their valuable insights on India’s G20 Presidency, including Shri J.P. Nadda, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Shri Naveen Patnaik, Shri Arvind Kejriwal, Shri Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Shri Sitaram Yechury, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, Shri M. K. Stalin, Shri Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Shri Pashupatinath Paras, Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri K. M. Kader Mohideen.
Brief interventions were made by Home Minister and Finance Minister. A detailed presentation encapsulating aspects of India’s G20 priorities was also made.
Those present during the meeting included Ministers Shri Rajnath Singh, Shri Amit Shah, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Shri Piyush Goyal, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Shri Bhupender Yadav and former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves the Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Council of medical Research , India and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics , Switzerland
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research  and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics , Switzerland to strengthen the relation within the framework of the international scientific and technological collaboration and to promote cooperation in fields of mutual interest. The MoU has been signed in February’2021 by India.
Benefits:
This MoU will further strengthen relations between India and the Switzerland within the framework of inter-national scientific and technological co-operation in fields of mutual-interest.
Financial Implications:
ICMR is committed to make available funding up to $100,000 USD while FIND will make available funds up to $ 400,000 USD to local partners and researchers identified through Request for proposal .
Background:
ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural and extramural research. FIND is an independent non-profit organisation created under Section 8 of the  Companies Act, 2013.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Neeraj Chopra for first position in Doha Diamond League
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Neeraj Chopra for the first position in Doha Diamond League.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
"First event of the year and first position!
With the World lead throw of 88.67m, @Neeraj_chopra1 shines at the Doha Diamond League. Congratulations to him! Best wishes for the endeavours ahead."